Follow the author of this article

Follow the topics within this article

As the internet plays an ever greater part in our social lives, with sites such as Facebook helping us to keep in touch with our friends, it's inevitable that we use it to help run our love lives as well.

Online dating and dating apps are one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering for people from all walks of life and interests.

So whether you’re mad about dogs, passionate about green issues or a connoisseur of fine wines you’re sure to find someone who shares your interests.

Here is the pick of the best dating apps and sites - not forgetting our very own website dating.telegraph.co.uk.

The 20 best dating sites and apps in the UK

Match.com claims its site has led to more dates, marriages and relationships than any other. With millions of members, its large user base should mean there is someone for everyone, although you may have to trawl through a LOT of profiles to find them!

The romantic social network that found its feet through Facebook, it helps people create and share their romantic journeys, with a multitude of members from around the globe enjoying the service each month.

Bumble works on a similar basis to Tinder. It's free, easy to set up and simple to use, and a right swipe indicates a like. A key difference, however, is that women have to begin the conversation, thus avoiding the countless cringey messages of Tinder. There's also a 24-hour time limit to start chatting, so if you find your soulmate you'd better move quickly.

If you've crossed paths with another user, they'll show up at the top of your Happn page, and it'll tell you how many times too. This inevitably means half your work colleagues will show up, but it also ensures you meet people with similar interests or living nearby.

One of the most popular dating apps out there. It's free, unless you opt for in-app purchases, incredibly easy-to-use, and has a wide enough membership to never run out of potential matches. A website version of the app is also launching soon.